Hello, baking enthusiasts and lovers of all things autumn! Today, we're embracing the cozy vibes of the season with a delightful twist - Pumpkin Spice Snowball Cookies. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are like a warm hug for your taste buds, combining the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice with the classic charm of snowball cookies. I'm excited to guide you through the process of creating these bite-sized gems. So, let's preheat those ovens and get ready to bake up some autumn bliss!
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Coating:
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butter
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter until it's smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the Goodness
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and pure vanilla extract to the butter. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Bring in the Pumpkin
- Gently fold in the pumpkin puree until it's fully incorporated into the mixture.
Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If you're using nuts, fold them in at this stage.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
- Take small portions of the dough and roll them into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place these balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until they're set but not browned.
Step 9: Coat with Love
- While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar until they're fully coated. This gives them that snowy, sweet exterior.
Step 10: Chill and Re-Coat
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
- Roll them in powdered sugar once more for an extra coating that truly resembles snowballs.
Step 11: Enjoy the Autumn Magic!
- Serve up your Pumpkin Spice Snowball Cookies and savor the buttery, pumpkin-spiced, and nutty delight of fall.
Tips for Extra Flair:
- If you're a fan of spices, you can increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice for a more pronounced flavor.
- These cookies make lovely additions to holiday gift baskets or cookie exchanges.
There you have it, dear readers! Pumpkin Spice Snowball Cookies capture the essence of autumn in every bite. Whether you're enjoying them with a steaming cup of chai, sharing them with friends, or simply indulging in some cozy self-care, these cookies are a delightful way to embrace the season.
So, grab your favorite cozy sweater, and a hot beverage, and let the baking adventure begin. Happy baking! 🍂🍪🎃